Census 2027: Houselisting Done in 31 States, Snow Areas Next

Census 2027: houselisting done in 31 States/UTs; snow-bound enumeration in September

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Battle Brief

The first phase of Census 2027, Houselisting and Housing Census, is complete in 31 States and UTs, MHA told Rajya Sabha on 12 August 2026. Population Enumeration in Ladakh and snow-bound areas of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand runs from 1 to 30 September 2026, with online self-enumeration from 17 to 31 August.

Fact File

Phase 1 done: 31 States/UTs (rest by September 2026)
Snow-bound enumeration: 1 to 30 Sep 2026
Revisional round: 1 to 5 Oct 2026
Self-enumeration: 17 to 31 Aug 2026, online
Funds released: ₹4102 crore to States/UTs
Notification: Gazette, 3 Aug 2026

In the news

Census 2027: what happened?

The Census has two phases: first listing houses, then counting people. Snow-bound areas are counted earlier because winter makes them hard to reach in the main round. This Census is digital and, for the first time, lets people enumerate themselves online.

Mobile apps and the Census Management and Monitoring System (CMMS) portal are used for data collection.
Self-enumeration through a web portal is offered for the first time in a Census.
Digital tools for phase two are ready.
Training of trainers, enumerators and supervisors is complete or in progress.

Back Story

Who conducts the Census?

Census is a Union subject: List I, Entry 69 of the Seventh Schedule.
The funds released cover training, manpower, technical infrastructure and honoraria.

Why examiners care

Why does Census 2027 matter?

Governance: Census data shapes delimitation, welfare and planning.
Digital: First digital Census with self-enumeration.

Exam Radar

What can Prelims ask on Census 2027?

Census: List I (Union List), Entry 69.
Census 2027 phase 1: Houselisting and Housing Census.
Snow-bound areas: Population Enumeration 1 to 30 Sep 2026.

How to use this in Mains

GS-II Population and associated issues; urbanisation

As per PIB (2026-08-12): first phase (Houselisting and Housing Census) is complete in 31 States/UTs; population enumeration in Ladakh and snow-bound areas of J&K, HP and Uttarakhand runs 1–30 Sep 2026 (revisional round 1–5 Oct), with self-enumeration from 17–31 Aug.
Census data will drive delimitation and welfare targeting.

Quotable data point
First phase (Houselisting and Housing Census) is complete in 31 States/UTs.
PIB: MHA: preparatory activities for Census 2027, 12 Aug 2026

Practice MCQs

Original practice questions (not PYQs).

Practice · UPSC

"Census" is listed in which list of the Seventh Schedule?

Answer (a) & explanation

Constitution of India, Seventh Schedule, List I, Entry 69.

Quick questions

Questions students ask about this

What is the status of Census 2027?

The houselisting phase is complete in 31 States/UTs; the rest will finish by September 2026.

When will snow-bound areas be counted?

From 1 to 30 September 2026, with a revisional round from 1 to 5 October 2026.

What is new in this Census?

It is digital and offers online self-enumeration for the first time.